Lakers vs Warriors - Game 1 - 2026 | Showtime Lakers Blitz Warriors 127-105

Game Summary: Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors

Introducing the Snowtime Lakers

Luka Doncic led the way with 28 points (7-of-18 FGs, 5-for-12 3s, 9-of-9 FTs), eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and six turnovers.

“He was talking crazy,” Doncic said of the chirping with Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. Doncic also said that he’s trying not to pick up as many technical fouls and refrained from picking one up tonight. LA went on a 17-4 run to close the second quarter as Lendeborg chirped at Doncic.

Walker Kessler’s Lakers debut was historic; he totaled 26 points (12-of-12 FGs, 2-of-4 FTs), nine rebounds, and two blocks. Kessler’s 10 dunks is the most dunks by a Laker since Shaquille O’Neal in 2003.

“You played like the best big man in the league. I’m happy for you, I’m proud of you. Welcome to the big man alliance. I love you brother. And I want you guys to love the name Snowtime Lakers,” O’Neal told Kessler during their postgame interview.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said that Kessler’s strong game started “with his end-to-end transition running,” which resulted in some put-backs and extra chances.

Although Kessler hadn’t played in a competitive game since last Halloween due to injury, he threw down dunk after dunk from Doncic and never slowed down, repeatedly finishing at the rim while the Lakers cruised to victory.

Kessler also became the first player in NBA history in the shot-clock era (since 1954-55) to score at least 20 points while shooting 10-of-10 or better from the field in his debut with a team.

“Contrary to my name, I run a lot,” Kessler told reporters.

Austin Reaves had 23 points (6-of-11 FGs, 1-for-3 3s, 10-of-10 FTs), four rebounds, six assists, two steals, and four turnovers.

Jake LaRavia scored 10 points (4-of-5 FGs, 2-for-3 3s) off the bench. Despite looking like the sparks of a breakout, LaRavia came down with an ankle injury. Lakers head coach JJ Redick did not have an update postgame.

“I saw him being himself,” Redick said of LaRavia. “I talked about this last week. We have a group of guys that do a lot of things to impact winning that don’t necessarily show up in the box score and certainly won’t show up in a highlight reel on Instagram. He’s a winning player.”

Quentin Grimes added 10 points (4-of-7 FGs, 0-for-2 3s) and four assists.

Other Laker News

Collin Sexton (right soleus strain) was ruled out, and the Lakers shut down Adou Thiero for a couple of days and then he will be “day-to-day” as he ramps up to return.

Matisse Thybulle changed his number from No. 26 to No. 4, which was formerly Dalton Knecht‘s number, who was waived earlier in the week.

New Season, Same Warriors

Stephen Curry could not carry his team to victory, posting 23 points (7-of-15 FGs, 2-for-7 3s, 7-of-7 FTs) and two steals.

Lendeborg’s NBA debut ended with 12 points (5-of-11 FGs, 1-for-4 3s, 1-of-3 FTs) and three rebounds. The rookie’s welcome-to-the-league moment came early, just getting blown out by Doncic and company.

“I had a lot of respect for him, but being there first hand, watching all the whining and complaining, I lost all respect for him,” Lendeborg said of Doncic.

Gui Santos had 12 points (5-of-10 FGs, 1-for-3 3s) and five rebounds. Brandon Williams led the reserves with 14 points (3-of-12 FGs, 1-for-3 3s, 7-of-7 FTs), four rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Gary Payton II added 10 points (5-of-9 FGs, 0-for-3 3s).

Post-Game

Lakers coach JJ Redick wasn’t the least bit surprised when Luka Doncic banked in a 49-footer to beat the halftime buzzer. “When he shoots a half-court shot, especially when he’s set like that and there’s no defender in front of him, you almost expect it to go in,” Redick said. (Quote via TalkBasket.net.)

Follow every game all season on our Los Angeles Lakers team hub, and catch up on our Lakers season preview on the start of the post-LeBron era.

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Attendance: 19,057 at crypto.com Arena

Next up: The Lakers host the LA Clippers on Friday, Oct. 23, at crypto.com Arena. Tipoff is 7 p.m. PT on NBA League Pass.

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